Safety and Security

Security Services at the BCHS utilizes a digital closed circuit television (CCTV) system for the interests of privacy, public safety, protection of property, and to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and service providers.

All CCTV images are strictly controlled to ensure the privacy of all persons at the hospital and strict policies exist to ensure adherence to all applicable privacy laws. The BCHS Surveillance Policy provides detailed direction concerning the context, procedures, and protocols within which the organization installs and operates surveillance cameras. The Policy ensures that BCHS follows the guidelines set out by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, the privacy requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

With the exception of requests by law enforcement agencies, all formal requests for video records should be directed to the Chief Privacy Officer. Requests are subject to the requirements of both the FIPPA and MFIPPA as well as BCHS's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Policy.

Security Services conduct proactive patrols through all areas of the hospital, including each medical unit, mechanical areas, hospital parking lots and the exterior grounds.

In an effort to ensure the safety of all at BCHS, Security Services personnel are tasked with enforcing all hospital policies as well as all Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws/regulations.

BCHS has a strict Safe and Respectful Conduct as the safety and security of all our patients, staff and visitors is our number one priority; we have zero tolerance for violence.

Please report any suspicious or illegal activities to Security Services at 519-732-0581 or (519) 751-5544 Ext. 4949

At any given time, hospitals must be prepared to respond to all emergencies that may arise within hospital facilities or the community at large. In order to ensure that the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) has a coordinated effective emergency response, it is imperative that hospital emergency plans and emergency codes are regularly implemented, tested and maintained.

The BCHS Emergency Plans Committee provides continuous direction and support for the development, implementation and maintenance of all policies and procedures encompassing emergency and disaster management functions; thereby, ensuring the safety of patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers and the community.

The emergency codes system at BCHS was developed based on the standardized colour code system set by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) to ensure uniformity amongst hospitals province wide. Consistency across hospitals also facilitates the transition of essential information to the responding code teams to ensure optimal response, while preventing stress or panic among patients and visitors.

Click here to view the full Emergency Codes list.

During your stay at the hospital it is recommended that you do not bring valuables to the hospital. However, should a patient arrive with valuables that you wish to have secured while you are admitted, please contact your primary caregiver on your unit who will arrange pick up, storage and return upon discharge. Patient Valuables are managed by Security Services and all items are secured in a vault and logged.

To retrieve items from the safe, please speak with your primary care professional and/or contact Security Services at 519-732-0581 or Ext. 4949 upon discharge.

To ensure safe and secure access to BCHS at any time of the day, or night, Security Services offers the Safe-Walk Program. This program is available to all patients, visitors and staff members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please call Security Services at 519-732-0581 or Ext. 4949 to use this service. Security Services personnel will meet you at a prearranged location to escort you between the hospital and your vehicle or the bus stops located in the immediate vicinity of the Hospital.

During your stay at the BCHS, all persons responsible for your care and welfare will display current hospital identification. Hospital Identification includes the Name, Department, Title as well as a photograph of the staff member.

At any time during your stay, should you be unsure about any person with whom you are interacting, the Hospital encourages you to ask for identification, or contact Security Services to report suspicious activity.

Staff may attend the Security Office anytime to retrieve their ID badge; please ensure you bring photo ID. For lost or broken badges, please contact the Parking and Security Coordinator between 8:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday.

Security Services are dedicated to the safety of all patients, visitors and staff.

For your safety, Security Services consists of Security professionals who are highly trained and dedicated to the safety of all patients, visitors and staff members at the Brant Community Healthcare System. Security Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please report any suspicious or illegal activities to Security Services at 519-732-0581 or (519) 751-5544 Ext. 4949

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy, secure, supportive and respectful environment through the prevention of violent, abusive, and aggressive behaviour.

Brant Community Healthcare System has a Zero Tolerance Policy for violence, harassment, or abuse in any form.

We reserve the right to take appropriate measures, which may include requesting you to leave, issue a no trespass order or legal action, if the policy is violated.

Thank you for your cooperation.

• Falls Prevention and Safety Information Sheet